Information About The Dobermann Breed | Dobermann Dogs | Fond of Dobermanns Information About The Dobermann Breed Louis Dobermann The Dobermannpinscher (originally one word) was named after its creator, Louis Dobermann some five years after his death. Originally the dogs he bred were known as Thurlinger Pinschers or Polizellich Soldatenhund. Louis set about breeding the perfect guard dog to protect him in his varied and risky jobs. No one can be one hundred percent sure what breeds Herr Dobermann used in his endeavour to breed his loyal, intelligent and fierce guard dogs but it is thought that the old German Pinscher and old smooth coated, bob tailed German Shepherd dog were the initial mix. Louis and friends bred these dogs in Apolda a community of dog lovers and breeders where there was a regular dog market. His dogs were in demand and achieved good prices. Herr Dobermann’s numerous jobs included being the municipal knacker man, (a cheap source of food), local dog warden or dog catcher and the official tax collector who needed the protection of a loyal guard dog. At night time he was also a police officer and night watchman.

Attending the local dog market and having the resources of the dog pound gave Louis the opportunity to breed his ideal dog. As well as guarding these dogs were used for driving cattle and for guarding against robbers on the drovers trail. After Herr Dobermann’s death an admirer of the breed Herr Otto Goller sough to improve the Dobermanns temperament. He appreciated the exceptional intelligence of these dogs but also knew they were generally too fierce and set about breeding a more friendly animal. He was so successful that he produced a good house/guard dog and it became one of the most popular dogs in Germany. Herr Goller founded the first Dobermannpinscher club in Apolda in 1910. Some other breeds that are believed to have influenced the present day Dobermann are: old German Pointers, the Weimaraner, the Visla Pointer, the French Beauceron and the Blue Great Dane, the Blue German Mastiff, the English Greyhound and even a Gordon Setter. By 1900 the breed was recognised by the German Kennel Club and shortly after the breed began to appear in the UK and USA.

In 1949 the word pinscher which means terrier was dropped and today in the U.K. the dog is now just known as the Dobermann. There is a huge amount of history around these dogs and their near demise after the Second World War and their introduction into Great Britain, their export world wide and the showing scene. The vision for this beautiful athletic, intelligent dog however lies with Herr Louis Dobermann who is one of a select few having a dog named after him. The Breed Today News of two generous donations from our supporters Doberdayz and Dany and Laura Roberts Though sadly we no longer have Louis' blog . In Life after Louis, Olga introduces her Troy-Boy and discover being in charge 'ain't so easy!' She tells all here . FOND receives donation from Scottish Dobermann Club Every Dobermann owner should be aware of the dangers of Bloat. Please look at our bloat explanation post Our thanks to Doberdayz for the generous donation raised at their Summer Show.

Taking you dog abroad can pose health risks find out more HERE BACK ON THE DOBIE TRAIL Catch up with the latest tales from our re-homed dogs on the 2016 Dobie trail Doberman Pinscher Info, Doberman Pinscher Information | Doggie Dealer Distress Alone: DOBERMAN PINSCHER APPEARANCE: A female Dobermann's shoulder height is about 24 inches (61 cm) and weight is about 75 to 80 pounds (34 to 36 kg), whereas the male stands about 26 or 27 inches (66 to 68 cm) at the shoulder and weighs around 90 pounds (41 kg). Dobermanns typically have a very deep, broad chest, a thick but fit body, and a generally muscular build. However, in recent years some breeders have primarily bred, shown, and sold a much slimmer or slender-looking Dobermann (as seen in the picture). This has become a popular body type among many buyers, especially those who want to show their Dobies competitively. The traditional body type is still more desireable to many casual owners and to those who want the dog for security reasons.

DOBERMAN PINSCHER HISTORY: Dobermanns were first bred in Germany around 1890 by Louis Dobermann. He was a tax collector who needed a protection dog to guard him, so he set out to breed a new type of dog that, in his opinion, would be the perfect combination of strength, loyalty, intelligence, and fierceness. Later, Otto Goeller and Philip Gruening continued to develop the breed. The breed is believed to have been created from several different breeds of dogs that had the characteristics that Dobermann was looking for, including the Pinscher, the Rottweiler, the Thuringian Shepherd Dog, the black Greyhound, the Great Dane, the Weimaraner, the German Shorthaired Pointer, and the German Shepherd Dog. The exact ratios of mixing, and even the exact breeds that were used, remains uncertain to this day, although many experts believe that the Dobermann is a combination of at least four of these breeds. The single exception is the documented cross with the Greyhound. It is also widely believed that the German Shepherd gene pool was the single largest contributor to the Dobermann breed.

DOBERMAN PINSCHER HEALTH: An average, healthy Dobermann is expected to live around 12 years, with a majority of Dobermanns dying between age 11 and 13. Common health problems are dialated cardiomyopathy, von Willebrands disease (a bleeding disorder that can be tested for genetically), hypothyroidism, cancer, and in the blues and fawns, alopecia. DOBERMAN PINSCHER TEMPERAMENT: Because of the Dobermann's typical use as a guard dog, and its often stereotyped role as such in movies, many people are afraid of Dobermanns. However, Dobermanns are in general a loving and intelligent breed. Although there is variation in temperament, an average Dobermann rarely attacks people, and only when it feels that it, its property, or its family are in danger. Also see Doberman Pinscher Dogs For Sale and Doberman Pinscher Dog Breeders Part of this Doberman Pinscher profile is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It may contain material from a Wikipedia article.

Doberman Pinscher : Dog Breed Selector : Animal Planet Watch Video This is an active breed that needs daily mental and physical exercise, lest it become frustrated or destructive. Its exercise requirements can be met with a long jog or walk on leash, or a strenuous run in a safe area. The Doberman can live outside in temperate climates, but it is a much better companion and effective guardian if it shares its human's home. Coat care is minimal.  Major concerns: CVI (wobbler's syndrome), cardiomyopathy  Minor concerns: vWD, demodicosis, osteosarcoma, narcolepsy, gastric torsion, CHD  Occasionally seen: albinism  Suggested tests: DNA for vWD, cardiac, (hip)  Life span: 10  12 years  Note: Blue Dobermans often have alopecia; white Dobermans suffer from several serious health problems. Watch Video Few people can claim to have had so great an impact upon the dog world as Louis Dobermann of Thuringen, Germany. Dobermann was a door-to-door tax collector who needed a watchful guard dog to accompany him on his rounds.

In the late 1800s he set about to create an alert streamlined guard dog, most likely by crossing the old German shepherd and German pinscher, with later crosses of the black and tan Manchester terrier, greyhound and Weimaraner. He soon obtained the prototype of the breed that now bears his name. The original Dobermans were still somewhat heavy-boned and round-headed; subsequent breeders selected for a more racy-looking dog. The breed evolved in remarkable time; by 1899 the first breed club was formed. The breed continued to attract acclaim, and the first Doberman arrived in America in 1908. It soon found favor throughout Europe and America as a police and guard dog, and later as a war dog. Its prowess in these areas soon brought more admirers, and the Doberman quickly became a valued family protector. Its chiseled silhouette and fearless alert demeanor has made the Doberman a top contender as a show dog. As its fame grew, many families grew to appreciate the breed as a family pet, and the Doberman eventually rose to be the second-most popular breed in America in 1977.

During this same period, a new challenge arose for the breed  the emergence of the albinistic white Doberman. In an effort to decrease the chance of producing these dogs, the Doberman Pinscher Club of America convinced the AKC to tag the registration numbers of dogs with the likelihood of carrying the albino gene with the letter Z. Top Ten Protective Dog Breeds - TheTopTens® Top Ten Protective Dog Breeds LikeaBoss If you were in a situation where someone was threatening to kill you which one of these dogs would you have on your side The Top Ten 1 German Shepherd Yup, 100% true. Here is a story. I went to Poland once with my dog to see my grandmother. She had a dog. Once, I had the task to feed him. But when I did, he jumped and bit a piece of my cheek off. My dog saw that and almost killed that other dog. He sat by me when I cried and always kept that dog away from me. He was at a leash, but it broke. When it was fixed Coraggio (the name of the dog) always stayed with me and kept that other dog away from me, cause the leash was a bit too long.

- PugLlama I currently have 2 right now and they are VERY protective of my family. - Pegasister12 I agree German shepherds deserve first I think so too V 9 Comments 2 Labrador Retriever The Labrador Retriever, also Labrador, is a type of retriever-gun dog. The Labrador is one of the most popular breeds of dog in the United Kingdom and the United States. I had a retriever lab and has now passed away but twice we got robbed an she would hold them down till the police came but they are also loyal and my dog Mess was the best dog ever I have a black lab mix she is the best dog. She is VERY protective of our family. She is also VERY gentle. And I would have to say that she is the best dog I have ever had. I had a black lab when I was seven. She protected me and my friends. Labrador Retrievers are pretty protective. - surfacing I love labs but mine isn't very protective.

In fact she'd greet a burglar if one came to my house - PianoQueen V 5 Comments 3 Rottweiler The Rottweiler is a breed of domestic dog, regarded as medium-to-large or large.The dogs were known in German as Rottweiler Metzgerhund, meaning Rottweil butchers' dogs, because one of their uses was to herd livestock and pull carts laden with butchered meat to market. I own a 3 year old male Rottweiler and he's the best thing that happened to me. There is a Rottweiler on our road and he barks at us when we walk by When I was a baby and we went on a walk, my Rottweiler would literally check on me every few minutes. Aw they are cute V 1 Comment 4 Doberman Pinscher The Doberman Pinscher, or Dobermann, or Doberman, is a medium-large breed of domestic dog originally developed around 1890 by Karl Friedrich Louis Dobermann, a tax collector from Germany. This is the best dog breed in the world SCRAP this dog, its only feature is to be aggressive, they are not cute just dangerous and have place on the planet.

Dobermans can protect a big spot of land becuse they can run fast! But they are not good with children and are not good family dogs. We have had many dobies, and they are great family dogs. None of our dobies were ever aggressive to the kids, but our poodle was! 5 Bullmastiff The Bullmastiff is a large-size breed of domestic dog, with a solid build and a short muzzle. The Bullmastiff shares the characteristics of molosser dogs, and was originally developed by 19th-century gamekeepers to guard estates. My bullmastiff Gus will do anything I ask and would protect me to the death if need be, always let's me know if someone is around but never in an overtly aggressive way. Wonderful family dog my kids can use him as a pillow, jungle-gym, or anything in between. My bullmastiff passed away three months ago. We are still grieving... He was the most awesome pet. So kind and extremely protective of his family. He was always by my side. So loving to all of us. Best dog! I love bullmastiffs! They are so sweet and are always there for you!

My best friend has one named hank and I love him so much! ;-) 6 Husky I have a Husky mix, and he is VERY PROCTECTIVE. He is super sweet and kind to everybody, but even if me and my dad are wrestling, he gets extremely upset because he thinks we are hurting each other. He is very protective of our house and yard. Many people think huskies would leave with a burglar and aren't good guard dogs, but I have to disagree. My husky is an excellent watch dog with excellent hearing, and he is also pretty intimidating being so big and with his sharp teeth and fierce growl and bark when he is upset. 7 Pit Bulls Pits are loyal misunderstood dogs they do what make their owner happy but they are protective and keep their owners safe They're very highly protective. - LightningBlade Pit bulls are known to be aggressive because owners don't know how to take care of them properly search up Cesar Millan and find out how to really take care of you dog.

You believe that there are not Pitbulls V 6 Comments 8 Border Collie The Border Collie is a working and herding dog breed developed in the Anglo-Scottish border region for herding livestock, especially sheep. My border collie is very protective (she's fence aggressive but the sweetest thing you'll ever meet) - Mockingjay05 My border collie isn't that protective, but that's just her personality. 9 Giant Schnauzer I used to have a giant schnauzer. Wait no it was a miniature schnauzer sorry. They were great dogs. When I was about 2 they would always be by my side, since I had epilepsy. They watched me eat jello when my dad fed it to me, and if any dropped, would kindly make sure to clean the floor right away. These are great dogs 10 Chihuahua The Chihuahua is the smallest breed of dog and is named for the state of Chihuahua in Mexico. Chihuahuas come in a wide variety of sizes, head shapes, colors, and coat lengths. Chihuahua's are a very protective breed. Mine saved my life, and I will always be grateful.

They may be small, but they are smart and agile. If I had to chose between getting attacked by a big dog or getting attacked by a chihuahua I'd pick the big dog. A chihuahua who has labeled you a threat to their pack, will not back down. they deserve far more respect as a breed then they get. I would pick a Chihuahua because a big dog could rip off your face in one bite Very protective... Love these dogs! They just want to protect their owner. They are very sweet in my opinion. Very good dogs and they will absolutely let you know if someone's around! No, they're just nasty and love intimidating people like they're so tough The Contenders 11 Golden Retriever The Golden Retriever is a large-sized breed of dog bred as gun dogs to retrieve shot waterfowl such as ducks and upland game birds during hunting and shooting parties, and were named 'retriever' because of their ability to retrieve shot game undamaged. My friend's golden retriever who is only 2 months old barks at me when I enter their house.

She is sweet when she gets used to you, but she will bark at anyone who didn't come about 6 times in a row. 12 Manchester Terrier 13 Staffordshire Bull Terrier The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a medium-sized, short-coated breed of dog. It is of English lineage, and is one of several breeds generally considered to be within the pit bull type. These thing are not protective I hit a friend who had one of these and the dog did nothing My sis has one of these breeds and their VERY protective 14 Saint Bernard The St. Bernard or St Bernard is a breed of very large working dog from Swiss Alps and north Italy and Switzerland, originally bred for rescue. It is a smart dog its colour is beautiful V 1 Comment 15 Boxer The Boxer is a medium-sized, short-haired breed of dog, developed in Germany. The coat is smooth and tight-fitting; colours are fawn, mahogany, black or brindled, with or without white markings, and white. From newborns up, if they are a part of the family, they'll die to protect them. Pronouns can be applied in various ways and still be valid. Go Boxers!

Should be ranked above pitbull. Maybe 5or 6 on popularity V 1 Comment 16 Beagle The Beagle is a breed of small-sized hound, similar in appearance to the much larger foxhound. The Beagle is a scent hound, developed primarily for hunting hare. Beagle are so protective that people use beagle to protect their family 17 Akita Yes a bit too protective in my opinion. There's one chained up down our road and I'm scared because it barks at EVERYONE that walked past and jumps and stuff 18 Newfoundland The Newfoundland dog is a large working dog. Newfoundlands can be black, brown, grey or white and black. 19 Pug ... read more . 20 Great Pyrenees The Pyrenean Mountain Dog, known as the Great Pyrenees in North America, is a large breed of dog used as a livestock guardian dog. My pyrenees always lies by the front door of our house,and when someone opens it he barks,to make sure it is someone he knows.

BAdd New Item Best Guard Dogs - American Kennel Club Best Guard Dogs 20820 views Best Guard Dogs Intelligence, athleticism and courage are characteristics to look for in a guard dog. The Doberman Pinscher, German Shepherd, Akita and others on this list are four-legged security systems. All are incredibly loyal to their owners. And when properly trained and socialized, they make for excellent playmates. Bullmastiff The Bullmastiff is known for its physical strength, protection instincts, courageousness, and extreme family loyalty. If an intruder crosses its path, a Bullmastiff will typically use its strength to knock them over or block their path. The breed is very docile in a family environment, however, and makes a great household pet. TRENDING: Why Dogs Eat Poop and How to Stop It Doberman Pinscher The Doberman Pinscher originated in Germany, around 1900, taking its name from Louis Dobermann of Apolda, a tax collector, who desired a medium size dog to perform as a guard dog as well as companion. If you have a large piece of property that you are trying to protect, a Doberman Pinscher is a great guard dog for you.

This breed is incredibly fast and is able to reach an intruder in a short amount of time. Known as the fifth-smartest dog breed in the world, Dobermans are fearless, alert, and loyal dogs. Giant Schnauzer The breed was originally developed in Germany as one of the three distinct Schnauzer breeds, Miniature, Standard and Giant. TRENDING: Fruits & Vegetables Dogs Can and Can't Eat Giant Schnauzers are strong, powerful, and dominant dogs that require strict training. This breed requires a lot of mental and physical stimulation and requires constant attention. Giant Schnauzers are powerful, compact, and intimidating. Their extreme family loyalty makes them excellent guard dogs. Akita The Akita is powerful breed with an intimidating presence. Originally bred for guarding nobility and royalty in Japan, the Akita was also used during hunts for board, black bear and deer. The Akita does not back down from confrontations and seems fearless. He is also a very loyal family member and will be affectionate and playful when properly trained and socialized.

The breed was admitted to registration in the American Kennel Club Stud Book in October 1972, and to regular show classification in the Working Group beginning April 4, 1973. German Shepherd Dog Considering first the more important side of the dog, its character, the German Shepherd Dog is distinguished for loyalty, courage, and the ability to assimilate and retain training for a number of special services. TRENDING: It's OK - He's Friendly - A Lesson in Dog Body Language German Shepherds are bold, confident, and fearless. They are extremely intelligent and quick to learn commands, thus making them a favorite police dog breed. German Shepherds have a calm demeanor when in a household but can quickly react when their family or home is threatened. Staffordshire Bull Terrier Often confused with the American Pit Bull Terrier, the Staffordshire Terrier was bred for bear and bull fighting. Their aggressive and protective natures make them excellent guard dogs but require them to be properly socialized and trained from an early age. Staffordshire Terriers make great household pets, known to only be aggressive when protecting a family member.

Rottweiler Originally bred as cattle-protecting dogs, Rottweilers are known to be relentless protectors of their pack. They are an intelligent breed and extremely loyal to their owners. Rottweilers are known to be aloof with strangers until properly introduced to them and are very quick learners. TRENDING: What Happens When A Dog Reverse Sneezes? Puli Pulik are known for their suspicious nature. They are always alert and will bark to alert their owners of anything out of the ordinary. Pulik are very smart and require constant companionship. They make great additions to families with active lifestyles, as they love hiking, running, and outdoor activities. Rhodesian Ridgeback The Rhodesian Ridgeback , sometimes referred to as the African Lion Hound, is a native of South Africa bred by the Boer farmers to fill their specific need for a serviceable hunting dog in the wilds. Originally bred to hunt lions, this dog has a strong prey drive and tends to be independent in nature. Ridgebacks are loyal and make natural watchdogs. They are said to be selective in their barking so when a Ridgeback barks, it needs to be taken seriously.

Rhodesian Ridgebacks must be properly trained and managed, as they are not naturally obedient. The breed loves to cuddle and often thinks it’s a lapdog. doberman pinscher history News Doberman Pinscher History The Doberman Pinscher (alternatively spelled Dobermann in many countries) or simply Doberman, is a breed of domestic dog originally developed around 1890 by Karl Friedrich Louis Dobermann, a tax collector from Germany. Doberman Pinschers are among the most common of pet breeds, and the breed is well known as an intelligent, alert, and loyal companion dog. Although once commonly used as guard dogs or police dogs, this is less common today. In many countries, Doberman Pinschers are often one of the most recognizable breeds, in part because of their actual roles in society, and in part because of media attention. Recent careful breeding has greatly improved the disposition of this breed, and the modern Doberman Pinscher is an energetic and lively breed suitable for companionship and family life. Although many Dobermans have been outdoor dogs, they are best suited to live indoors. Temperament Although they are considered to be working dogs, Doberman Pinschers are often stereotyped as being ferocious and aggressive.

As a personal protection dog, the Doberman was originally bred for these traits: it had to be large and intimidating, fearless, and willing to defend its owner, but sufficiently obedient and restrained to only do so on command. These traits served the dog well in its role as a personal defense dog, police dog, or war dog, but were not ideally adapted to a companionship role. The Doberman Pinscher's aggression has been toned down by modern breeders over the years, and today's Dobermans are known for a much more even and good natured temperament, extreme loyalty, high intelligence, and great trainability. In fact, the Doberman Pinscher's size, short coat, and intelligence have made it a desirable house dog. They can easily learn to 'Respect and Protect' their owners, and are therefore considered to be excellent guard dogs that protect their loved ones. They are generally sociable toward humans and can be with other dogs. However, Dobermans rank among the more-likely breeds to show aggressive behavior toward strangers and other dogs, but not among the most likely to do so. They are very unlikely to show aggressive behavior toward their owners.

There is evidence that Doberman Pinschers in North America have a calmer and more even temperament than their European counterparts because of the breeding strategies employed by American breeders. Because of these differences in breeding strategies, different lines of Doberman Pinschers have developed different traits. Although many contemporary Doberman Pinschers in North America are gentle and friendly to strangers, some lines are bred more true to the original personality standard. ​Here at von Schaumburg we strive to preserve the working type Doberman Pinscher. Website Designed Five Best Personal Protection Dog Breeds | PetHelpful Five Best Personal Protection Dog Breeds Updated on October 04, 2016 Joined: 4 years agoFollowers: 572Articles: 286 40 Four Great Large Dog Breeds With Long Life Expectancy 7 months ago A personal protection dog is one that guards an individual at all times, at home or when out on the road. They are not just guard dogs, but they have to be intelligent enough to know when they need to protect their owner. They also need to know when to stop. If you are interested in a breed for personal protection, consider purchasing one that has already been professionally trained.

If you start out with a puppy or a young dog that has no training, you may end up being disappointed. Even though the five best breeds on this list are usually suitable for personal protection, do not assume that every dog born among these breeds is going to be able to do the job. Dogs are individuals. Some of them will be great, others will not be suitable. It does not mean they are not good dogs; it does mean that they are all different. So what are the five dog breeds suited to become personal protection companions? Advertisement Doberman Pinscher There is some controversy about which breed is the “best,” but Dobies are one of the few breeds originally selected to serve as personal protection dogs. They have been around since around 1890. Since then, the tax collector who needed a personal protection dog bred them to be intimidating, to show no fear when it came time to defend their owner, and to only attack when told to do so. Dobies are not giant. Most are large, and since they are muscular, they appear quite a bit larger than they are.

They are usually about 40 kilos (about 90 pounds), black and tan, and have their ears cropped and their tails docked where it is still legal. Health issues are a concern with most protection dogs, and Dobies are not exempt from this. A bleeding disorder called von Willebrands disease is common—but a test has been available for many years, so if the parents are checked out, this problem may eventually be eliminated. About half of the dogs also inherit a serious heart disease (dilated cardiomyopathy) and fewer have a neck disease called “wobblers,” or cervical vertebral instability (CVI). A few have hip dysplasia and prostatic disease, while the other diseases are much less common. Dobies live about 11 years, a little longer that Rotties, a little less than a Giant Schnauzer. If you are looking for a protection dog that is strong, smart, and willing to protect, the Doberman Pinscher is a good choice. Doberman Pinschers were developed for personal protection. Doberman Pinschers look alert!

Buy Now Although this book has a lot of points that can be argued, it is well written, well researched, and the author rates the Doberman, German Shepherd Dog, and Rottweiler among the top ten most intelligent breeds. The breeds were ranked due to the ability to learn new commands and follow orders, and the Doberman was listed as number five because of his trainability. Advertisement Cane Corso This breed is still not as popular as many other breeds on this list, but it has the potential to be an excellent personal protection dog. This is a large Italian breed of about 45 to 50 kilos (about 100 to 110 pounds) with a muscular body, a short muzzle, and a strong bite. They may actually be a “catch” breed, having been used to hunt game, but since the Roman times they have also been used as a guard and a personal protection dog. Like the Doberman, the Cane Corso often becomes attached to one person in the household and so falls into the role of protection dog easily. Unlike the Doberman however, they are large and not easy to train. Not everyone can or should attempt to handle one of these.

They do have some health problems, like all big dogs. Hip dysplasia is the most common, they will become obese if you let them, and they can also suffer from bloat, eyelid problems, and demodectic mange. The average life of a Cane Corso is 10 to 11 years. If a potential owner has experience handling dogs, is willing to socialize and train his Cane Corso, and is in need of a superb personal protection animal, this one can do the job. A Cane Corso at the beach. A Cane Corso out hiking. Advertisement Rottweiler Rottweilers were actually developed by the Romans for herding, but they were later developed to pull carts, drive livestock to market, and then to serve the military, to serve on search and rescue missions, work with the police, and act as guide dogs. The most important role has been as a watchdog, a guard dog, and as a personal protection dog. They are big (up to about 60 kilos, 130 pounds), intelligent, and easy to train, so they usually dominate schutzhund (personal protection dog) competitions.

Rotties are usually healthy, but they can suffer from hip dysplasia, like almost all large breeds. They are also prone to developing eyelid problems and become obese if fed too much and not exercised. They usually only live 9 or 10 years. Their fierce appearance, protective attitude, and aloofness with strangers makes this among the best personal protection dogs available. They are not as mobile or quick as the Doberman, however, so I would prefer one of these as a guard and a Doberman or Cane Corso as a personal companion instead. Advertisement Rottweilers are alert protection dogs. Giant Schnauzer This German dog breed is a frequent competitor in the Schutzhund competitions for several reasons. He is big (60 to 70 cm, or 25 to 27 inches at the shoulders), but not as heavy as the Rottweiler, so a little easier to handle for a smaller person. They are also intelligent, like all the protection breeds, and pick up new commands easily. Many of these also have clipped ears and docked tails, making them look more alert, and successful ones are also solid black, a color that many assume is fiercer.

Giant Schnauzers have some of the same health problems common to big breeds, like hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. They are also prone to some skin problems, and since they drool, and their beards get dirty, they have to be kept clean. These dogs live about 12 years. During that life, they make an excellent personal protection dog in that they are strong, yet able to be controlled. Giant Schnauzers are alert protection dogs. Giant Schnauzers are not as large as some other protection breeds, but they are solidly built. German Shepherd Dog One of the most popular personal protection and guard dogs is the German Shepherd Dog (GSD). They are one of the most common breeds and are intelligent, easy to train, and large and powerful enough to do the job. If a GSD is socialized and trained, excessive aggression is not a problem. When these were first developed, they were also healthy, but they have been bred carelessly and in large numbers and now have several health problems. Besides the temperament problems, some have floppy ears and about a fifth of them develop hip dysplasia. They are also prone to bloat.

Later on, a lot of these may develop arthritis because of their conformation. GSDs live about 10 or 11 years. If you purchase one from a working line, he will be healthy and fit to be a guide dog, search and rescue animal, guard dog, or the personal protection dog you are looking for. Unfortunately, not all of the German Shepherds for sale out there will meet your needs. The US Army uses several breeds, but the German Shepherd Dog is the most popular. German Shepherd Dogs are good protection dogs. A lot of other big dogs will serve as personal protection even without training. The Belgian Malinois is also frequently seen in Schutzhund competitions, as well as the Dutch Shepherd. Many of the dogs best suited to guard work (like the Neapolitan Mastiff) are not meant to walk around all day. So, although they may be great guards, they should not be used for personal protection work. If you are not able to obtain a trained dog, read what you can about how to train one for personal protection and try to find a local Shutzhund club where you can work with experienced trainers and dogs.

DVDs and videos available on the Internet can give you an idea of what is involved in the training before you start. Buy the best dog you can—even if you select a puppy that is of the correct breed, not all dogs from even these breeds grow up to become a protection one All have the potential, but not all have the correct personality. (That does not mean that there is anything wrong with the dog. Sometimes he is just not the type to confront things head on.) If you need to train a young dog or puppy, it is certainly possible. Read how to train a dog for personal protection and attend Schutzhund training in your area. A personal protection dog is out there waiting to guard you. Go out and find him. Advertisement 10 Most Popular Medium-Size Dog Breeds | The Daily Puppy 10 Most Popular Medium-Size Dog Breeds You are not logged in: Login | Register Popular Puppy Picture Search 10 Most Popular Medium-Size Dog Breeds By Molly Sawyer Overview Medium-size dog breeds range from 18 to 28 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh from 45 to 90 pounds at maturity.

According to the American Pet Products Association's 2011-2012 survey, 46.3 percent of U.S. households own at least one dog, for a total of 78.2 million dogs. The American Kennel Club, the country's leading dog registry, processes more than one million purebred dog and litter registrations annually, and ranks breed popularity based on the number of dogs of each breed registered each year. Labrador Retriever The Labrador retriever long has been a family favorite dog, and has been the most popular AKC-registered breed since 1991. Known for its friendly temperament, eagerness to work, and intelligence, the Labrador is a versatile hunting dog. A dense double coat protects the dog from weather, water, brush and brambles. In recent years, the breed's characteristics have brought it into additional demand for scent-detection work of various kinds. The Labrador retriever originated not in Labrador, but in Newfoundland, where its eagerness to retrieve and work was put to good use by fishermen. Adults range from 21.5 to 24.5 inches tall, and weigh from 55 to 80 pounds at maturity.

The Labrador coat can be one of three colors: black; chocolate, which can range from light to dark brown; or yellow, which ranges from cream-colored to a deep fox red. German Shepherd Dog Originally created to bring together and preserve the best working attributes of the herding dogs of late 19th century Germany, the German shepherd dog breed has ranked at or near the top in popularity ever since for its versatility in roles as a family companion, protection dog, guide dog, search-and-rescue dog, detection dog and police and war dog. German shepherds are intelligent, self-confident and approachable, while somewhat aloof. While a black and red coat is most often associated with the breed, German shepherds can also have a black or sable coat. Height in mature dogs ranges from 22 to 26 inches at the shoulder. Golden Retriever Though often mistaken for a yellow Labrador retriever, the golden retriever is a distinct breed that originated in the Scottish Highlands. The characteristic golden coat is longer than that of a Labrador retriever, and ranges from light to deep gold in color. Goldens reach 55 to 75 pounds at maturity, and 21 to 24 inches in height.

The golden retriever's eagerness to please makes the breed ideally suited for assistance and service dog work, in addition to its traditional role of hunting companion. Boxer The boxer is an intelligent and energetic breed. Originally bred in Germany as a chase dog to aid hunters, the boxer developed into a versatile working breed, just as skilled at carrying messages in wartime as at herding sheep or cattle. The short coat, muscular appearance and traditionally cropped ears may give the appearance of fierceness, but the boxer is a friendly, people-oriented breed. Ranging in height from 21.5 to 25 inches, and in weight from 50 to 75 pounds, the mature boxer is a strong, athletic dog. Boxer colors are fawn or brindle, with white markings that might cover most or all of the body. Standard Poodle The largest of the poodle varieties, the standard poodle is any poodle that is more than 17 inches tall at maturity. Today, most standard poodles average 21 to 27 inches tall, and weigh about 45 to 65 pounds. The poodle originally was a hunter and retriever.

The coat is long and dense, properties that can make it obstructive in a water retrieve. The traditional poodle trim shaves the face, feet, legs and hindquarters, except for bracelets or pom-poms at the wrists, ankle and hips, to minimize the weight of the wet coat. The pom-poms protect the joints from cold water, and the jacket protects the heart and lungs. The poodle is a solid-colored dog of varying shades of black, grey, cream, apricot, red and brown. Poodles with two colors, called parti-color poodles, are disqualified by the breed standard. Rottweiler Yet another German breed with an imposing appearance, the Rottweiler is a powerful, intelligent dog that is playful with family but reserved with strangers. Descended from cattle drovers' dogs in Rottweil, Germany, Rottweilers were originally used for their herding and guarding instincts, as well as to pull carts. Rottweilers have a black coat with rust or mahogany points; white markings are considered a fault. An adult Rottweiler averages 22 to 27 inches tall, and weighs between 75 and 125 pounds.

Doberman Pinscher Louis Dobermann, a tax collector in Germany at the turn of the 20th century, sought to develop a dog to take with him on his rounds to serve as both guard and companion. His efforts created the Doberman pinscher, a breed with a popular respect for its guarding abilities. With adult heights ranging from 24 to 28 inches, the Doberman is one of the taller medium-sized breeds. Weights range from 70 to 100 pounds. The Doberman's short coat may be black, blue, red or fawn, all with rust points. A tiny white patch on the chest is permitted by the breed standard. German Shorthaired Pointer The German shorthaired pointer is a versatile, active sporting dog that also was bred to be a good family dog. Though characterized as a pointer, the GSP is also skilled at trailing and retrieving, and works well on a variety of fowl and game. The mature GSP weighs 45 to 70 pounds and stands 21 to 25 inches tall. GSPs may be solid liver-colored, or liver and white, which may include patches or speckles of color.

The breed's stable temperament and enthusiasm for work or play make it well-suited for life with an active family. Siberian Husky The Siberian husky is among the oldest dog breeds, and is believed to have been developed by the Chukchi tribe in Northeast Asia as a working sled dog. Siberians have a long history of aiding human survival in the arctic and subarctic regions, and they are still used in sled dog races today. The thick, medium-length double coat protects the Siberian husky from extreme cold. Siberian huskies were working dogs during the Alaskan gold rush of the 1890s, and teams of Siberian huskies famously relayed serum to Nome, Alaska, during a diphtheria epidemic in 1925. Today, Siberians are popular family dogs and show dogs, while they also continue in their traditional role as sled dogs. Siberians reach 20 to 23.5 inches in height, and weigh 35 to 60 lbs. Coat colors range from solid black to pure white, often with striking facial markings and patterns unique to the breed.

Australian Shepherd Despite the breed's name, Australian shepherds are an American breed of herding dog, developed by ranchers in the western United States. The exact origins of the breed are obscure, but the American Kennel Club's history of the breed speculates that its roots probably go back to herding dogs of the Basque region of Europe. Still popular as a ranch dog, Australian shepherds today also find work as service, therapy, search-and-rescue and drug-detection dogs, as well as popular family pets. The Aussie is a compact dog, reaching 18 to 23 inches tall and weighing 40 to 65 pounds. Allowed colors include black, red, blue merle and red merle, frequently with a variety of white and tan markings.

Question: Which breed of dog was originally bred in Germany by a tax collector who needed a guard dog for protection?
Answer: DOBERMANN